St Paul's Cathedral

Visit St Paul’s Cathedral.

The mother church of London, Sir Christopher Wren’s English Baroque masterpiece and a symbol of the capital’s rebirth after the Great Fire of London and resilience during the Blitz, this cathedral is one of the most recognisable and celebrated buildings in the United Kingdom.

St Paul’s has been the site of numerous landmark events in British history, including the funeral of Lord Nelson, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, services to mark the peace at the end of the First and Second World Wars, and celebrations of the Jubilees and birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II. Besides all that, it’s a working church and a popular tourist attraction.

On a sightseeing visit to the cathedral, you’ll learn about its history from the first temple built on the site in the year 604, through the huge gothic cathedral which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London (1666), to the building we see today, who’s 111-metre dome has dominated the skyline of London for three centuries. Indeed, it was the tallest building in the city from 1710 to 1963. You’ll marvel at the interior tilework, ornaments and mosaics, uncover the secrets of the crypt and climb the 528 steps to the viewing platform set in the famous dome. There are also temporary exhibitions to enjoy. 

One of the most fascinating parts of the cathedral is Wren’s ingenious Whispering Gallery. It’s found on the inner part of the dome, high above the cathedral floor, where the curved roof carries a sound as soft as a whisper from one side of the dome to the other.

As part of the visit, you’ll receive a multimedia guide, something like a small tablet, that helps you identify the features of the temple and find out about them. There is also audio commentary, available in 9 languages. Pay attention to signage in the cathedral related to photography, and don’t forget to stop by the shop at the end of your visit to pick up a souvenir or a book to learn more about St Paul’s.

The doors of the church are open to all!